Chiropractic
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic cannot be described as a stand-alone treatment nor a technique. It is not the collection of short videos of ‘cracks and pops’ that frequent YouTube and various other social media apps, nor is it a specific ‘type’ of manipulation.
Chiropractic IS a health profession that is statutorily regulated, as are other health professions such as Dentistry and Physiotherapy to name a few. Chiropractors provide a package of care for patients that includes a comprehensive case history and physical examination, allowing them to form a working diagnosis and thus the appropriate treatment and management plan for each individual. The package of treatment offered may include spinal manipulation and mobilisation, as well as muscle-release therapies, modalities such as ultra-sound or dry-needling, taping, exercise and rehabilitation. Advice on self-management and lifestyle risk-factors is also included. Our primary objective is to restore biomechanical function using the least invasive means possible, and in a modern, evidence-based setting, to educate and enable our patients to self-manage their complaints as much as possible.
The General Chiropractic Council (GCC), which is the Statutory Regulator in the UK, defines Chiropractic as follows:
“Chiropractors are qualified health professionals who offer treatment for problems with the bones, joints and muscles that support the body (the ‘musculoskeletal system’).
Problems may occur as a result of accidents, illness, poor posture, lack of exercise, sports injury – or simply everyday wear and tear. These problems tend to cause pressure on the nerves in the body.
There is no typical chiropractic patient. Those seeking help and advice include both young and older people, manual workers, office professionals, pregnant women, children and people who do sport.
Chiropractors treat a wide variety of conditions, including back, neck or joint pain and conditions arising from sports injury. They also treat headaches caused by neck problems, as well as helping patients with migraine prevention.
Treatment by a chiropractor involves manipulation – very precise handling or movement – of the spine or joints to remedy the problem. Sometimes manipulation moves the spine or joints further than they would usually move. A chiropractor may also give you advice on exercise, self-help, diet and lifestyle. Some may also offer rehabilitation programmes.
Most patients decide to visit a chiropractor themselves, but some may be referred by a doctor. Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition, and will refer a patient to a GP when necessary.
Most chiropractors work in the private sector, either alone or in a group practice, and some offer services through the NHS. For further information please visit the NHS Choices site.”
Chiropractic education and training is extensive, with a minimum of 4 to 6 years of academic study. Annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a statutory requirement of the GCC to maintain registration, and is strongly supported by all of our practitioners, through ongoing post-graduate courses and seminars.